Helping children reduce nightmares with a new intervention
Efficacy of the DreamChanger Intervention in Combination with Imagery Rehearsal Therapy to Reduce Nightmares in Children
This study is testing a new way for parents to help children aged 3-10 reduce their nightmares using a special device and therapy techniques.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tel Aviv University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tel Aviv) |
| Trial ID | NCT06410118 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial tests the effectiveness of a parent-delivered DreamChanger Intervention combined with Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) to reduce the frequency and severity of nightmares in children aged 3-10. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a waitlist control group. Parents will receive instructional videos on using the DreamChanger device alongside IRT strategies, and will complete questionnaires at various stages to assess the child's nightmares and related symptoms. The study aims to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the impact of recurrent nightmares on children and their families.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-10 years who experience distressing nightmares at least once per week.
Not a fit: Patients currently receiving treatment for nightmares, sleep, or anxiety, or those with diagnosed medical sleep problems will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the frequency and distress associated with nightmares in children, improving their overall sleep quality and emotional well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that Imagery Rehearsal Therapy can effectively reduce nightmares in children, although the evidence base is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * child aged 3-10 years * parents aged over 18 years * child experiencing distressing nightmares at least once per week on average, for at least 1 month. Exclusion Criteria: * Child receiving concurrent treatment for nightmares, sleep, or anxiety * Child diagnosed with a medical sleep problem (e.g., OSA, RLS)
Where this trial is running
Tel Aviv
- Tel Aviv University — Tel Aviv, Israel (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michal Kahn, PhD — Tel Aviv University
- Study coordinator: Michal Kahn, PhD
- Email: michalkahn10@gmail.com
- Phone: 0544682588
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.